“I just didn’t feel like UST was the right place for me," says Travis Mantua.

Former SHS-Ateneo de Cebu guard Travis Mantua has found a new home in the lair of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws after turning his back on University of Santo Tomas.

In spite of a logjam in the backcourt, Mantua was steadfast in his choice, saying that the move would benefit him in the long term.

The 5-foot-9 Filipino-Australian guard had initially committed to join the University of Santo Tomas Tigers back in 2017 after a stellar showing in the NBTC Nationals. But with a new coaching staff helmed by new head coach Aldin Ayo, Mantua elected to join FEU instead.

“I just didn’t feel like UST was the right place for me. I think FEU would benefit me more in the long term and also the system FEU fits my own playing style which I can adapt to easily,” said Mantua.

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Mantua is joining an FEU squad that already has Jasper Parker, Axel Inigo, Jun Gabane, LJ Gonzales and Cebuano, Rendell Senining, but said he he doesn’t mind waiting for his turn.

He added that he can use the time to instead sharpen his skills.

“The top two points guards this year are graduating and there will be seven spots next year and I think I have a chance of making the lineup,” he said. “I don’t mind preparing one year for it.”

Jem Ryn Betia, the coach tasked with handling FEU’s Team B, relayed that Mantua has been as good advertised.

“He’s been doing well from what I have seen in our practices and the games sa Team B. Point guard na point guard talaga,” said Betia.